April 2022 ABI Alum Spotlight: Allisen Peterson

I am originally from Chico, CA and I graduated from Davis in 2016 with a degree in Animal Biology. This major gave me all the freedom I needed to find what I was truly interested in. Like many others, I initially entered Davis thinking I would become a Veterinarian. However, with many more opportunities to explore, I saw the huge array of options we have. I have decided to become a Podiatrist and will start school and Midwestern University this Fall. The beauty of this major is it can prepare you for so many different paths you may take in life. 

Many shy away from the practicum project required by the Animal Biology degree but it turned out to be one of the best experiences I had at Davis and is at the top of my resume. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to work closely with a professor and a graduate student on designing and executing an experiment, writing a paper, and getting it published. This was the main topic of discussion in every interview I have had for medical school. It is an invaluable experience that taught me organizational, leadership, and research skills I will use in my life. I did my project in nutritional welfare in beef cattle. For my upper division electives, I took behavioral research, communication, nutrition, and statistics courses to prepare for my practicum. It was in these classes my met my major advisor and jump started planning my experiments and hiring interns.

This major prepared me for the MCAT, gave me my best letter of recommendation, and allowed me room to grow into a future doctor.